Different Horse Breeds Used for Racing

When you see a horse, you probably think that most of them look eerily similar, especially if you’re interested in horses but perhaps not as interested in the finer details. You most likely know the basics, like that they are mammals, have four hooves and have one toe. They typically come in black, brown or white and usually have long manes and strong bodies. Knowing this amount is completely fine if you just wish to view these majestic animals at a bit of a distance or perhaps just ride them casually at a riding school. However, if you’re interested in either racing these horses or going to visit the races, then you might want to learn more as there is actually a surprising amount to be learned. There are many different horses that are specifically used for horse racing, which is exactly what this article aims to shed light on.

The Popular Thoroughbred

English thoroughbred in field
English thoroughbred

The horse that is most used for horse racing is the thoroughbred. Many people think that this just means that the horse is bred out of two of the same type of horse, however, this is not always the case. The term thoroughbred in horse racing is the horse that is made to race, this means that if you ever meet a thoroughbred, you can rest assured that the horse has racing genes in him – that’s why he was created after all. This is crucial information to know, especially if you ever plan on racing or even betting. Think about it, if you didn’t know the term thoroughbred, chances are that you wouldn’t know that this is the best breed of horse to bet on, so for any punters looking to bet on a birthday casino bonus, here is the information you’ve been looking for.

Another thing to note when it comes to this kind of horse is that these horses are typically known for their speed, grace and strength. They actually fall under the term ‘hot-blooded’, as they are constantly moving and never give up. Similar to the term ‘hot-headed’ as they also often have quite the temper.

The Exotic Arabian

Arabian Horse
Arabian horse

Another horse that is very popular for horse racing, although, to be completely transparent, perhaps not as used as the thoroughbred, is the Arabian. The name stems from many years ago and shares roots with the Arabian Peninsula. Many horses that came from that area were bred a certain way and also looked similar, therefore the name stuck. The look of the Arabian is also easy to notice, as they have a distinct head shape, which is rather slim and also boast a high tail carriage.

Many people often look at throughbreds and think that due to their large size, they will easily beat an Arabian horse but this is certainly not always the case. Yes, although the Arabian horse is a lighter-breed and therefore not as robust or stocky as the thoroughbred, the Arabian has something very special – extreme intelligence and tact. There is not such horse that is as smart as the Arabian. So whilst many might not think of this more slender horse in a horse race and although this horse most lovely needs a lot more training, just in terms of building up the stamina and speed, you can be sure that the Arabian will make the most of any advantage. Just think about watching a ‘smart underdog’, they might not be right at the front from the start, as the thoroughbred might pull away with sheer strength, however, the Arabian is far more in tune with what is happening in their surroundings and will be able to use every opportunity to their advantage.

The Quarter Horse

Pair of quarter horses
A pair of quarter horses

One of the most popular racing horses, especially in America, is known as the Quarter horse. This name holds little significance for size, as this horse looks more like the size of four horses put together. What gives this horse its name is actually its speed, as it usually sprints 1/4 mile faster than all other horses. Therefore, as you can surely imagine, it also makes this horse especially investment heavy, as this horse is almost always a sure bet.

Every horse is known for one thing and what makes the Quarter horse so special is its high speed in short distances. If you are a racer and you’d like to perform well on shorter tracks, then the Quarter horse is the way to go. Again, it’s relatively easy to spot the Quarter horse, all you need to look out for is a short and stocky build. You should also be able to see considerable muscle build, as they’re extremely strong. They have short wide heads and boast a considerable broad chest. Definitely one to look out for if you have a need for speed.

As you can see from the above, there are so many different horses out there. If you really spend time researching the topic, then you will find at least thirty more breeds. The three mentioned above are the best ones for racing, as they either come with brute force, incredible intelligence or amazing speed. If you ever make it to a race horse, test your new-found knowledge and see if you can tell the difference between the ones you find there.